Blog Post

This weeks tip is around simplicity. Multi-media presentations are the “in-thing” these days. In fact, there are so many things you can do today to enhance the quality and effect of your presentation. It’s now possible to add music or video clips that cue automatically or by mouse click, use different transitions to create required effects and so on, and it’s fun (and time consuming!) playing with them. Indeed, a well positioned bit of video or music can do just that – add flavour to your presentation and help to drive your point home.

When you review you draft presentation, you need to be courageous. We become so attached to our little works of visual art that we sometimes lose track of the possibility that our favourite slide or clip may do nothing to help get our main message across. Two options then remain – change it or scrap it, and brutal as it may sound, the latter usually works best.

Your message must flow in a logical sequence. You want an enticing beginning, a body packed with benefits and sound reasons to invest in your suggestion, and an ending that convinces the audience to take action – in your favour! You may need to decide whether you’re applying for a position as a PowerPoint designer, or delivering a compelling presentation that results in action. The latter is more lucrative.

Paul du Toit

A certified Speaking Professional, Paul du Toit is a presentation skills coach, the author of “You Can Present With Confidence” and co-author of “The Exceptional Speaker”. He is a founder member and past president of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, and an early recipient of their Founders Award for service to the speaking industry. He is the MD of Congruence Training specialising in presentation and speaking skills. See upcoming open workshops London www.pauldutoit.co.uk | Johannesburg www.presentationskills.co.za